PCB Mounting With Integrated Shock Isolation and EMI Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices face challenges in providing sufficient shock isolation and electromagnetic interference shielding for printed circuit boards, particularly in portable devices, with off-the-shelf rubber grommets and grounding straps offering inadequate protection and installation difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system utilizing conductive bosses, resilient support members, and grounding members to secure the PCB within a conductive enclosure, forming a Faraday cage, which provides robust shock isolation and EMI shielding through multi-point grounding paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If off-the-shelf rubber grommets and isolators are used to mount the PCB, then shock isolation is provided, but the shock protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shock isolation and EMI shielding functions into a single integrated mounting system. The conductive resilient support members simultaneously provide mechanical shock isolation and electrical connectivity for EMI grounding, eliminating the need for separate rubber grommets and grounding straps.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses conductive resilient materials that combine the shock-absorbing properties of elastomers with the electrical conductivity of metal particles or conductive polymers. This composite material approach enables both mechanical isolation and electrical grounding in a single component.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If grounding straps are used to provide EMI shielding, then some EMI protection is achieved, but the shielding is limited and installation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding function with the mounting function. The resilient support members that mechanically support the PCB also provide the electrical ground path, eliminating the need for separate grounding straps and simplifying installation to a single mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive resilient support members perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support, shock isolation, and electrical grounding. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process while providing comprehensive EMI shielding.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple grounding straps are installed around the PCB perimeter, then EMI shielding is improved, but mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple grounding functions into single integrated mounting points. The conductive resilient support members provide both mechanical attachment and electrical grounding at each mounting location, eliminating the need for multiple separate grounding straps around the PCB perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
Each conductive resilient support member serves as both a mechanical mount and an electrical ground path, providing multi-functionality that reduces the overall complexity of the mounting system while maintaining comprehensive EMI shielding coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively attenuates shock, vibration, and strain while maintaining EMI shielding, ensuring compliance with electromagnetic compatibility standards and simplifying installation by eliminating the need for perimeter grounding straps.
Implementation Method 1
resilient support members, and grounding members to secure the PCB within a conductive enclosure
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively attenuates shock, vibration, and strain
Implementation Method 3
A mounting system utilizing conductive bosses, resilient support members, and grounding members to secure the PCB within a conductive enclosure, forming a Faraday cage
Data Source
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Figure 2A
AI summary
Apparatuses and associated methods for mounting PCBs and other electronics boards in portable medical equipment and/or other portable and non-portable electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the technology disclosed herein can provide PCB mounting systems that isolate the PCB from detrimental shock, vibration, and/or strain, while also providing electrical ground paths that greatly reduce EMI and other electrical disturbances. Some embodiments of the mounting systems described herein include both elastomeric (e.g., rubber) components and resilient metallic grounding members that, when assembled together, provide favorable shock mounting as well as robust electrical grounding without the inconvenience of using separate shock mounts, grounding straps, etc.